These past several months, I've begun to pay a lot more attention to what and when I eat and how it affects me throughout the day. Not just out on a run, but at work and at home. I drink protein shakes as either a meal replacement or as a supplement on days with long training runs.

I'm perpetually on the hunt for something that is healthy, satisfying, and tastes good.

There are four factors I had to consider:

First of all, I have a sensitive stomach. And running will often trigger it.

I know what I can have during my runs: coconut water or plain water to drink, Clif Shot Blocks for fuel. Anything else is a gamble. But for a long while, I was still working out what is the best thing to have before a run.

Second, I can't run (or function at all) on a completely empty stomach. But some mornings a banana or a toasted English muffin with nut butter is just too much food. A shake or a small protein-packed snack is what I need.

This also means zero animal products: no meat, fish, dairy, eggs, gelatin, or other animal by-product. As a long-time vegetarian (20+ years), I don't miss meat, but I was unprepared for how great I felt eliminating dairy and eggs.

Four, I don't have a lot of time - but I don't want breakfast from a drive-thru either. As much as I would love to whip up pancakes from scratch every morning, it isn't going to happen. Now, a lot of my Disney Princess fantasies have come true, but the forest creatures doing the cooking and cleaning? I'm still waiting for that one... So, yes - ease of preparation is key.

Manitoba Harvest recently partnered with Fit Approach's Sweat Pink Ambassador team, and I was one of the lucky ones to receive a sample of their Hemp Pro 70 protein powder. I got two flavors: Chocolate and Vanilla. It's no secret I love chocolate - so I wanted to try this one right away.

But before I tore into my samples, I asked myself does this fit all of my criteria above?

You’re used to a whey protein and curious to try a plant-based protein powder, such as hemp.

You want nutrition on the go! HempPro 70 is the only water soluble hemp protein powder on the market. This means you can literally throw it in a shaker cup with some water and take it with you on the road.

Google +Also, if you order either the chocolate or vanilla Hemp Pro 70 from the Manitoba Harvest website, use the code: SWEATPINKPRO70 for 20% off your order.

Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. Through my affiliation with Fit Approach, I received product from Manitoba Harvest in exchange for this review. Regardless, this blog only recommends products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”